Category: Edmonton

Culinary Q & A with Charles Szaszkiewicz (aka Zed) and Marianne Stover

Occupations:

Charles – boot boy maker (Boot Boys are machines that clean the bottom of shoes in curling rinks, rec centres, factories, etc.)

Marianne – student/part time Sobey’s Bistro server

What did you eat today?

We each had a latte and muffin at Da Capo for breakfast, sandwiches and veggies at a family gathering for lunch, and a lemon-rosemary-thyme-garlic roast chicken with potatoes and veg for dinner.

What do you never eat?

Charles: raisins, peanut butter, pineapple, mac and cheese, cheese on its own (it has to be cooked on pizza, pasta, etc.)

Marianne: raw tomatoes – I’m good with having them cooked in sauces or hidden in other cooked dishes, but something about the taste and texture of them raw puts me off.

What is your personal specialty?

Charles: Pecan squares; tuna casserole and souffle

Marianne: vegetarian chili

Complete this sentence: In our refrigerator, you will always find:

Butter (salted tub for use on toast, bagels, etc. and unsalted bar), eggs and milk, a couple cheeses (usually gouda, something else and Parmesan), raspberry jam, peanut butter (for Marianne) and Maple Syrup

What is your weekday meal standby?

Charles: ground beef or cubed steak stewed with onion, Paprika and other spices with pasta

Marianne: some sort of pasta and tomato sauce (we make the sauce) or a veggie stir-fry with some rice noodles

What is your favourite kitchen item?

Marianne: the Microplane – I love it for lemon zest, Parmesan and nutmeg

Charles: it’s all about the knife holder man ("The Ex")

World ends tomorrow. Describe your last meal.

Lots of different Pale Ales from around the world and the coconut curry sauce from Culina Mill Creek but on fresh calamari. Charles would go for a good piece of fresh salmon or some type of meaty fish, and I would love a big bowl of fresh PEI mussels in a white wine and garlic sauce as well as a chunk of baked brie or goats’ cheese, some really good bread, a bowl of baked yams with a bit of maple syrup and lots of nutmeg, brussel sprouts and some Thanksgiving stuffing with lots of raisins in it. Dessert would be the "sample platter" from Social in Ottawa (carrot cake, chocolate cake, creme brulee, crumble and cheese cake).

Where do you eat out most frequently?

Blue Plate Diner for dinner and Leva or Da Capo for espresso/coffee

What’s the best place to eat in Edmonton?

We loved Red Ox Inn when we were there for Fork Fest this year – the service and food was fantastic.

If you weren’t limited by geography, where and what would you eat?

Neither of us has spent much (if any) time out of Canada, but right now, we would likely head to Montreal or somewhere in that area.

Charles: fresh Montreal bagels, Shwartz’s smoked meat, Beaver Tails with maple butter

Marianne: at the moment, I just dream of freshly caught sea food (especially shell fish), then I would be good to go.

Charles and Marianne blog at Loosen Your Belt and Eat Around Edmonton.

A New Addition to Edmonton’s Culinary Blogosphere

I’ve mentioned on this blog that the last six months have been a bustling one in Edmonton’s online food scene. A number of voices have joined the fray recently, and I do believe the more the merrier – everyone has a unique perspective on food, and there is seemingly an unlimited number of topics to cover, even in a city the size of ours.

A new blog began today, one I had been anticipating for some time. Eat My Words is Liane Faulder’s contribution to the blogosphere, where she will be documenting food highlights that don’t make it into the Journal. Her first two posts include tidbits about a bakery she visited during a recent Mexican vacation, a Dine Alberta dinner, and cupcakes she purchased from Flirt Cupcakes.

When I met Liane for lunch back in November, she indicated that she would be starting a blog in the new year. At that time, she asked me why I avoided posting short entries, as she thought immediacy was one of the handiest features of a blog. While it works best for me to gather the brief tidbits together in my weekly notes posts (giving it more substance, somehow), I expect Liane to share concise thoughts or experiences now and then.

I think the Journal Bistro writer entering the food blogging world in Edmonton is a positive step – I believe it will bring more awareness and readership to the blogs already in existence (Liane has started a blogroll, and also linked to some online resources).

Welcome to the blogosphere, Liane. I look forward to reading your posts!

Food Notes for March 9, 2009

Lots to share this week! Let’s get to it:

  • One of the concurrent sessions at the food security conference I wished I could have attended was about the recently completed “Cost of Eating in Alberta” report. It was released this week, and the findings aren’t surprising: though the acceptable portion of one’s income to be spent on food is 15%, the report found that some households were spending upwards of 32% on food. Read more here.
  • My piece on the Sabetghadam family behind Whyte Ave’s Sabzy Cafe was published this week in Vue Weekly. Vue also printed reviews of two relatively new restaurants – 100 and Culina Highlands.
  • Liane finally continued her series that sees local chefs promoting their favourite blocks to shop. This week, Koutouki’s Chris St. Denis introduced 124th Street to readers.
  • Local designer Lea Alcantara has created a page to try and answer the age-old question – is Tau Bay open?
  • Also mentioned at the conference was Augustana Campus’s 100-mile cookie challenge, where all but one of the cookie recipe’s ingredients must come from within 100 miles of Camrose.
  • Sometimes I like reading about the means and not just the ends to those means, and the Transcend Coffee blog is the perfect example of this. I love Poul’s recent post on how they are changing the way they sell their coffee, reflecting the learning that has gone on. Customers really reap the benefit of their passion and their willingness to share their growing knowledge base.
  • The Globe had a story this week about pay-what-you-can restaurant menus popping up all over the world in the face of the global recession. While I don’t think local restaurants will go down this path any time soon, Manor Cafe is offering $30 3-course prix fixe meals after 5pm Sundays to Wednesdays. Now it starts.
  • It’s always nice when local businesses get national recognition – Sylvan Star Gouda was featured in the Globe this week.
  • The Go Organic Cookbook I wrote about two weeks ago can be ordered online after March 11. It features profiles and recipes of 55 local producers. At just $20, it’s a worthwhile purchase.
  • I mentioned in February that Ruth Reichl is on Twitter. It turns out there are many other well-known food personalities on Twitter, including the NYT’s Mark Bittman. Eater has also started a new series called “A Movable Tweet: the latest from the industry Twitterati”. On the subject of Twitter and restaurants, I do think Soul Soup could benefit from using the service – they could Tweet their daily selection of soups, and remind local followers that they should be kept in mind as a lunch option!
  • As seen in the latest edition of City Palate, Lola Canola has started a monthly newsletter on bees and honey. E-mail Patty Milligan to be added onto the list.
  • The City of Vancouver just approved the keeping of backyard chickens. Will Edmonton (being lobbied by the River City Chicken Collective) be next?
  • You may remember Todd Babiak’s article about the disruptive television screens in the city’s bars. It seems that while television-less bars in New York are a dying breed, there are a few that remain committed to maintaining a venue for conversation and entertainment without a screen.
  • Starbucks began offering their value meals in the U.S. last week. For $3.95, customers could get a tall coffee and their choice of an egg sandwich, Perfect Oatmeal, or a slice of coffee cake (Serious Eats gives the egg sandwich a thumbs up). I hope something similarly priced debuts in Canada soon!
  • On the heels of thisiswhyyourefat, another viral, visual site: scanwiches.
  • An interesting blog post in the Village Voice about the proliferation of the tip jar, and the way some establishments try to guilt customers into filling them.

March in Edmonton is for Fun!

It’s been two months since I stopped compiling events, and though in this time I have still been keeping tabs on what has been going on in Edmonton, it hasn’t been the same. I feel less connected somehow, and after coming across quite a few interesting activities that will take place over the next few weeks, I couldn’t resist an events throwback.

  • Winter Light continues this weekend with free skiing and sledding at Gallagher Park on Snow Daze, March 6, and a Star Party at Coronation Park on March 7. There’s nothing like free fun outside!
  • The Alberta Drama Festival Association presents Stage Struck 2009, Edmonton’s annual one-act festival, March 6 & 7. Details at Tix on the Square.
  • Edmonton Downtown Dining Week runs March 6-15. Pre fixe menus are $15 for lunch and either $25 or $50 for dinner at 21 restaurants in the core.
  • IDEAFest, an event with a format similar to BarCamp, is taking place on March 7. Mack is one of the presenters!
  • The Edmonton Jewish Film Festival is taking place on March 8 and 15 at the Royal Alberta Museum.
  • If classic films are what you are looking for, the Winter 2009 series put on by the Edmonton Film Society is called “Pretty women can be funny too”. Movies are every Monday at 8pm until the beginning of April. I’m eying Hepburn and Tracy’s Adam’s Rib.
  • Music Wednesdays continue at the McDougall United Church every Wednesday at noon hour in March.
  • I read about Pi Day for the first time two weeks ago, which is celebrated at 1:59 on 3/14. Join other mathematical revellers at the Telus World of Science on March 14. While you’re there, stick around for the Art of the Brick, which I wrote about back in January.
  • I’ve been in Stewart Lemoine withdrawal since the end of the Teatro la Quindicina season last fall, but luckily, his collaboration with the Grant MacEwan Theatre Arts program is just around the corner – The Addelpated Nixie runs March 13-21 at the John L. Haar Theatre.
  • The Alberta Student Film Festival is on March 20 and 21. Admission is by donation – a great price to check out some new local talent.
  • Winter Light’s final event is called Illuminations, and it will take place in Churchill Square on March 21. I plan to be there to check out the outdoor light and fire show!
  • 2009 is the International Polar Year, and the Royal Alberta Museum is hosting Dr. Andrew Derocher on March 26 for a free lecture on his research of the effects of climate change on polar bears.
  • Edmonton Public Library is holding their Spring Book Sale on March 28 and 29 at the Stanley Milner parking lot. Materials range in price from 50cents to $1, or fill your own box for $10.

Enjoy!

Five for Foodies: Solo Dining

I would have preferred the name “Listage” for this semi-regular series, but realized that Eater already had a lock on that word. So instead, we have “Five for Foodies”, which will catalogue a handful of establishments that excel in a particular category, or offer something unique in the city’s culinary scene.

To start, I thought I would chronicle my five favourite places to dine solo. Often, my rationale behind eating alone is to get some work done, but other times I am consciously choosing a space that will allow me to relax amongst low-key surroundings. My bias as well, being without a vehicle, are restaurants in walkable areas of Edmonton and that are conveniently connected to public transit.

So in no particular order, here are my personal picks for solo-friendly eateries:

  • Shine Bistro (9828 101A Avenue) – I discovered this gem of a restaurant back in 2007. Tucked away in the Citadel Theatre complex in the shadow of Canada Place, Shine is a charming cafe-style eatery with local art on the walls. Their mainstays of soups and sandwiches aren’t unique, but the kitchen is consistent and service is brisk. My only complaint is that they are only open on weekdays until 3pm.
  • Leva (11053 86 Avenue) – Between their thin-crust pizzas and fantastic paninis, at some point I thought the cafe owners had me in mind when they designed their menu. I love the marble tables, the chic chandelier, and their shelf of interesting reads. Of course, their devotion to local producers doesn’t hurt either.
  • Blue Plate Diner (10145 104 Street) – my oft-cited favourite, it’s also my default solo dining destination. Nothing’s cosier than their brick wall, hardwood floor, and tabletop lamps. I never feel rushed, and their Friday Night Dinner specials are a  nice bonus.
  • Three Bananas Cafe (9918 102 Avenue) – this cafe is as central as it gets, as it is situated right on Churchill Square. It’s typically packed during warm weather festival season, but it’s a great place for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee all year round. I’m a sucker for their pepperoni and mushroom pizza, while the floor-to-ceiling windows are good for people-watching.
  • Hoang Long (10715 – 98 Street) – there’s nothing like musing over a bowl of beef noodle soup, and Hoang Long, which is just a short jaunt away from my office, has provided many a pho escape. I find the minimal decor soothing, and the sound level, even on a busy day, controlled. The large wooden tables are also the perfect reading surface for a newspaper. Unfortunately, the Chinatown location of Hoang Long has been closed for several months due to staff shortages – I hope they are able to reopen soon.

A La Carte For The Win: Normand’s

Eater is always an entertaining website, but in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, it was even more so. They had dubbed V-Day “Black Saturday”, as many restaurants predictably offered only very expensive prix fixe menus and nothing else, leaving diners at the mercy of establishments. Eater made sure to ridicule some of the more ridiculous Valentine’s Day offers, and also, to help readers spend wisely, posted lists of restaurants that continued to offer their regular menu in the face of “Black Saturday” temptation.

Well, back in Edmonton, we found the same phenomenon – many of our favourite restaurants were guilty of this. While I understand the desire to streamline the kitchen and make service more efficient, do the majority of people really need (or want) a four or five-course meal (especially one priced at upwards of $150)? It seems excessive, and a money-grabbing ploy, and we made sure we weren’t a part of it.

Mack let me choose the restaurant, and I decided to go with the elusive Normand’s (11639A Jasper Avenue NW). The only thing I knew about the restaurant was that they served game, and that they had been a fixture on Jasper Avenue for many years. I had called to make a reservation back in mid-January – at that time, the earliest seating we were offered was 8pm; we found out when we got to the restaurant that they had lined up reservations until 10:30pm that night.

Normand’s

The host was efficient – after taking our coats, he led us up a few stairs to a table in the corner. It gave us a fairly nice view of the tiered space, but was unfortunately placed near the bustling bar where orders were being placed a mile a minute, and near the kitchen where orders were streaming out on a continuous basis.

The interior reminded me of a cross between Le Table de Renoir and Bistro Praha – framed Renoir prints were hung on the stucco walls, and the plaster arches that divided the dining room aged the space at least twenty years. It was nice enough, but Normand’s could use a makeover, or at least an update.

We were given the choice of their regular menu, or a four-course Valentine’s Day special. The latter was tempting, given the decent price point ($54.95 per person for soup, salad, one of three entrees, and chocolate fondue to share), but none of the mains listed caught our eye. So a la carte it was.

As someone always taken by the mushroom soup option, I elected for the wild mushroom cream ($7.50), while the tomato basil soup du jour ($6.75) appealed to Mack. For our main courses, we deviated as we usually do – Mack went straight for the lobster and scallops mornay ($33.95), and I, still on a duck kick, opted for the Lac Brome Roast Duck ($30.95).

I was expecting the soup course to be fairly generous, as the price of a bowl wasn’t cheap, and Normand’s delivered. The cream soup (which is apparently one of the restaurant’s most well-known dishes) was rich, but not overly so. I thought it was better than the thicker puree I tried at Red Ox a few weeks ago, but it was still nothing exceptional. Mack enjoyed his soup, and there was definitely a roast garlic kick to it.

Tomato Basil Soup

Our mains arrived fairly promptly – Normand’s definitely had the air of a well-oiled machine. My dish had a bit of fanfare to it – not content to just serve either breast or leg, I received both in a small pot. Our server transferred the leg onto my plate, and helped me spoon some of the cranberry and orange port wine sauce over top of it. Mack’s mornay, in comparison, was quite a bit smaller, but drenched in a shallot white wine cream sauce, it made up for size with richness.

The duck meat was unfortunately a touch overcooked, but combined with the sweet sauce, was all right to eat (the large serving also meant that I had enough to top off a salad the next day – for whatever reason, the meat tasted better eaten this way). The crispy skin was also a nice treat – I think duck skin is the new bacon.

Lac Brome Roast Duck

Mack thoroughly enjoyed his dish (containing two of his favourite proteins, this wasn’t a surprise), though he said that the scallops tasted better with the thick, creamy sauce than the lobster.

Lobster & Scallops Mornay

I couldn’t decide on dessert, but swayed visually by the table next to us that had opted to share fondue, I thought fondue for two ($13.95) would be an appropriately cheesy way to end the night. Normand’s uses Bernard Callebaut chocolate, so the fondue mixture was decidedly sweet. Paired with the sliced fruit, however, it was perfect. Mack preferred the bananas, while I was a sucker for the strawberries. The toasted slices of almonds were a thoughtful touch on the plate and allowed that extra bit of indulgence.

Chocolate fondue for two

While I wasn’t blown away by our experience at Normand’s, I was very happy that they chose to offer their a la carte menu in the face of Black Saturday. They also managed to provide excellent service in spite of a full house. So although I’m not sure Normand’s would become my standby, it seems like a reliable establishment that isn’t likely to change its menu or its style anytime soon.

Normand’s
11639A Jasper Avenue NW
(780) 482-2600
Monday-Thursday 11:30am-10pm, Friday 11:30am-11:30pm, Saturday 5-11:30pm, Sunday 5-9pm

Edmonton Foodie Meetup #1

A few weeks ago, I wrote about an upcoming first-ever Edmonton Foodie Meetup that would take place at Blue Plate Diner. I didn’t know at the time of course that tonight would be one of the coldest nights in recent memory, but I should have also known that Edmonton’s culinary community are made up of a hearty bunch – every one of the 12 individuals who signed up on the wiki came, in spite of the weather!

 

Edmonton foodies

It was a great opportunity to meet the authors behind some of the food blogs I read every day, and to chat about our love of food. Here’s a list of the bloggers (and their blogs) that attended tonight (Diane from NAIT and Mack were also there though they don’t have food blogs):

The acoustics of the Diner worked against talking to those at the other end of the table, but for the most part, I’m glad we chose this particular restaurant. Service was good, and portions were larger than I remember from previous visits.

 

Sweet Potato Fries (Mack loved the mayo dipping sauce)

 

Green Onion Cakes (I could have done without these, but Mack disagreed)

 

Mack’s Green Curry and Broccoli Soup and Mac-N-Cheese

 

My Pozole Chicken Enchiladas (not as dry as the last time I had them, I was happy with the generous amount of cheese on top)

Thanks to everyone for coming, and a special thank you to Hanne and Courtney for helping me organize the get-together! Based on the interest expressed, I think we will be having a second foodie meetup some time in the future. Keep an eye on the wiki for details!

Food Notes for February 24, 2009

This has not been a good winter for me; second time in two months I’ve been sick – this time, the flu. At any rate, the notes must go on (albeit late):

  • Marianne and Zed of Loosen Your Belt and Eat Around Edmonton spotted an upcoming Mexican restaurant coming soon to Whyte Avenue and 108 Street.
  • Original Fare restaurants are pairing up with Unicef for its second-annual Tap Project this year, where diners can donate $1 towards the cause for the glass of typically complimentary tap water. Details aren’t on the website yet, but they likely will appear closer to the March 22-29 event date.
  • Liane Faulder and Jan Hostyn of Vue Weekly must be on the same wavelength(or there’s really nothing to cover in this town…) – in early February, they published articles on Andrea Donini of Earthly Delight Soup Co in the same week, then just this past week, Jan published a piece on Leva Cafe’s Jennifer Ogle, who had been covered in the Journal the week prior.
  • An interesting post from Ganda of eat drink one woman (a New York blogger who is in Sweden for the next six months) about food sold in tubes.
  • Need more blogs to add to your daily reading list? From Mack: a Times Online list of 50 best blogs worldwide.
  • Speaking of great blogs – Eat. Drink. Better. is a great resource for those looking at issues about food sustainability. It is great at highlighting new and innovative ideas.
  • I’m gearing up for the Top Chef finale tomorrow. Like many though, I was shocked at the contestant that was eliminated last week. Unlike other reality shows that are up front about considering past performances, the judges on Top Chef never make this apparent, resulting always in surprise – and seemingly unfair decisions. I’m rooting for anyone but Stefan!
  • Though the following isn’t food-related, I thought it was clever enough to share:

On Edmonton’s Downtown Dining Week

Both Edmonton and Calgary’s Dining Week participants and menus were released this week, but the similarities of the events end there:

  • Edmonton has 23 participating restaurants vs. Calgary’s 81
  • Calgary has a separate webpage to promote Dine Out Calgary, with an easy-to-read format, a brief description of the restaurant, and a link to the establishment’s website
  • Calgary offers a lunch series with local critic John Gilchrist, going above and beyond just meals
  • Price points are controlled in Calgary (and I believe remain the same from last year) – $25 for lunch and $35 for dinner (with a few restaurants offering $85 “gourmet” tastings). Edmonton, on the other hand, increased their price points in a year when people may be looking at controlling their spending – $15 for lunch, and though there are some $25 dinner options, the majority are $50 prix fixe meals.

I know comparing events doesn’t solve anything, but it’s hard to swallow the fact that Edmonton’s sixth attempt at promoting restaurants in the core hasn’t improved over the years. Yes, Calgary’s advantage is a city-wide event, and one without competition from a “rival” restaurant group (Original Fare’s Fork Fest), but I’d like to hope that the Downtown Business Association (DBA) at least considers ways to enhance their event, and looking to our southern neighbour doesn’t seem like much of a stretch.

There has been discussion for some time on Connect2Edmonton’s forums about Downtown Dining Week, mostly centering on DBA’s poor promotion of the event, and restaurants’ inconsistency with offering their deals. I know I’ve run into this – I had a horrible experience at Ric’s Grill last year (I was told I had to pre-order the Dining Week menu over the phone, while my friend, the night prior, was given the menu without question).

I know I’ve said before that Edmonton doesn’t have much of a restaurant culture when contrasted with Calgary, but that’s why I think events such as Downtown Dining Week must be utilized as best as possible. Those who already do their best to eat at local and independent establishments will naturally know about this promotion – but it’s the DBA’s job to get in the face of those who rarely venture beyond their favourite chain and encourage them to eat outside their comfort zone.

What say you, Downtown Business Association?

Culinary Q & A with Christopher Thrall

Occupation: My day job is communications/media and government relations for Alberta’s dairy producers. My nights are spent on freelance writing and communications contracts. Up until a year ago, I was the editor of Vue Weekly‘s Dish section.

What did you eat today?

Breakfast was almond Oatmeal Crisp and 1%. Lunch was homemade beef stew, a tangerine and a grapefruit – supper was a Royal from Boston Pizza. I think I savoured a Granny Smith apple and a tiny package of Mini Eggs at some point as well.

What do you never eat?

I am definitely not much of a fish guy – unless it’s battered and deep fried. Bless you, Brit’s Fish and Chips.

What is your personal specialty?

I am a master at ordering the unexpected from any given menu. There is always something that I haven’t tried: something I can’t resist. The results are always unusual, and often delectable. As for the personal specialty I make myself, I make a terrific "dog’s breakfast" (that always starts off as an omelette).

Complete this sentence: In my refrigerator, you will always find:

Cheese. There is always an aged cheddar, and usually a havarti. Sometimes, on a very good day, a Sylvan Star gouda.

What is your weekday meal standby?

The beef dolsot b-bim-baab from B-Bim-Baab (formerly the Korean Gardens). I have yet to find any single dish that compares to the mix of veggies, rice, beef and fried egg served in a blistering stomeware bowl. Give it a quick mix and a brief shot of hot sauce, then take a serving. While your taste buds go into paroxysms of pleasure, the rice and veggies that remain are crisping against the sides of the bowl. The meal actually gets better as you go.

What is your favorite kitchen item?

The slow cooker. I can either have a roast ready for tomorrow night, or simply hurl in every veggie from my fridge that is threatening to spoil and come out six hours later with a killer soup.

World ends tomorrow. Describe your last meal.

Whuf. Nothing like an impending calamity to sharpen the ol’ taste buds… I would lay in a couple of bottles of wine – perhaps a Sangiovese and a Malbec, and leisurely take my time with my favourite dishes from around the city. I would start with sweet potato fries and corn fritters with jalapeno jelly from Da-De-O’s, then segue into a fresh floral salad from Inspired Market Gardens [ED: Gwen unfortunately doesn’t make salads anymore]. I would cleanse my palate with some of Leva Cafe‘s sorbet and start in on braised beef short ribs on risotto from Violino or the Manor Cafe‘s lobster thermidor. I would finish with Culina‘s cambazola toast dulce de leche and some loose white tea leaves from Steeps, and probably nibble on a white chocolate raspberry tart from Fresh Start on my way up to bed.

Where do you eat out most frequently?

I would say B-Bim-Baab, or Yeti Gourmet in Beaumont. When I have to factor in the under-five set in my family, Boston Pizza or East Side Mario‘s are safe havens.

What’s the best place to eat in Edmonton?

Culina. Yesterday, today and forever.

If you weren’t limited by geography, where and what would you eat?

I would want to try new things. I’m not talking about extreme eating or anything, but I would love to devour falafel from a street vendor in Marrakesh, try some yak’s milk cheese in the Himalayas or some suspicious-looking but divinely-smelling bowls of murky soup in a Japanese unagi-ya. That said, sipping my meal on an expanse of deserted white sand overlooking the azure Caribbean waters sounds pretty damn good as well.